Let’s be realistic, MGM has zero interest in assuring a “fair” process for citing another casino in the state. Its hints about having interest in building a casino in the Bridgeport reek of insincerity as well.

The intent of the gaming giant is to stall and block construction of a nearby Connecticut casino that would create competition for its MGM Springfield Casino, set to open next year.

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives would be foolish to fall for their bluff. The House should follow the lead of the Senate, which on a 24-12 vote May 24 approved a bill authorizing the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes to build a commercial casino in East Windsor.

On Wednesday came news that Aetna is preparing to relocate its headquarters out of Hartford. Connecticut cannot afford to alienate another major employer, in the form of the two tribal casinos, by abandoning this proposal to instead pursue fool’s gold in the form of the competitive bid process pushed by MGM.

In the Senate, lawmakers from this region played a major role in steering the legislation to victory. Sen. Paul Formica, R-East Lyme, and Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, co-chairs of the Appropriations Committee, were particularly aggressive in pushing the proposal forward. It also had the support of Republican state Sens. Art Linares of Westbrook and Heather Somers of Groton.

They recognize that the gaming industry has become a significant part of Connecticut’s economy, particularly in this region. If the state delays, the expectation is that the MGM casino will lure away many casino-goers in the greater Hartford area who now travel to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. The proposed Mashantucket-Mohegan casino would keep some of those patrons and their entertainment dollars in Connecticut.

New competition will mean the loss of gaming jobs at the two local tribal casinos as some patrons are drawn away. But if the legislature allows a third tribal-operated casino in East Windsor, it would benefit the tribal enterprises, better positioning them to make the investments necessary to continue diversifying entertainment offerings beyond gambling at their resorts in southeastern Connecticut.

Yes, MGM will launch a legal fight if the legislature approves of the East Windsor casino and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signs it into law. But the courts are likely to show great deference to Connecticut in how it chooses to regulate gaming and its relationship with the sovereign tribes.

Don’t let this opportunity pass.

The Day editorial board meets with political, business and community leaders to formulate editorial viewpoints. It is composed of President and Publisher Timothy Dwyer, Executive Editor Izaskun E. Larraneta, Owen Poole, copy editor, and Lisa McGinley, retired deputy managing editor. The board operates independently from The Day newsroom.